O-1

ALIEN OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY STATUS

O-1 status at UB is available to employ foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, art, education, business and athletics. In matters not involving the arts, UB must demonstrate through extensive documentation that the individual for whom we are petitioning is nationally and/or internationally recognized as being one of a small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field. Matters involving the arts require a showing that the artist is "prominent in his or her field of endeavor." As is the case with individuals who hold H-1B status, individuals who hold O-1 status can hold dual intent. O-1 status may be granted for an initial period of three years and may be extended indefinitely on a yearly basis.

Proof of sustained national/international acclaim in the sciences, education, business and athletics

The petition must demonstrate at least three of the following:

Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards

Membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievement

Published materials about the applicant in professional or major trade publications

Service as the judge of the works of others

Original scientific or scholarly work of major significance in his or her field

Evidence of authorship of scientific or scholarly work

Evidence that s/he has been employed in a critical or essential capacity at an organization with a distinguished reputation

Has commanded or will command a high salary in relation to others in the field

As it does with respect to all proposed filings, UBIS evaluates proposed evidence before it determines if UB will sponsor an individual for O-1 status since USCIS considers both the quantity and quality of evidence.

Disclaimer

The information contained on this web page is provided as a service to the international faculty, researchers, staff, employees and administrators of University at Buffalo, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax, or other matter. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Neither the University at Buffalo nor the Office of UB Immigration Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained on this web page, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.